Jerry Miles
The plans put forth by the proposed developer of the Downtown area are really pretty good. The developer has not asked for any financial concessions and none are needed. The town should certainly do everything it can to encourage visitors and residents to support the businesses which go into the area.  This may include providing funding for the visitors’ bureau, adopting new signage regulations and similar matters.

If a parking problem arises, that means that the area is generating a lot of business.  At that time we can consider some type of parking garage, which can be funded in a variety of ways.

Jay Schlum
I am extremely excited, not just for me, but for everyone in our community to see this prime real estate developed. Retail, restaurant, office, and residential; a real vibrant mixed use project that is sustainable for years to come, this is what I and so many others are completely ready to enjoy.

We want a prosperous development that enhances the fine qualities and character of Fountain Hills. I am aware that excellent economic development ‘results’ can only be realized when approached as a marathon rather than sprint, therefore, we must not force or rush. What we are doing is talking, meeting, sharing ideas and cooperating with one another in order to give this development the effort required to successfully come out of the ground and ultimately celebrate together.

The entire town will benefit from this land being developed intelligently, including those businesses around and across the Avenue. The Town will benefit from sales taxes realized at the new businesses and those other surrounding existing businesses also raised up from the economic rising tide.

Any financial cooperation requested from the developer will be considered with strict requirements on ROI (return on investment), in other words that investment would need to pay back and not be at risk of loss.

Parking is always a challenge, but together we will work this out by intelligently considering the options. One example, contrast the following: the proposed movie theater which has most of it’s customers at night, the retail businesses are more heavily visited during the daytime hours, therefore we realize two parking spaces aren’t necessarily needed for the two businesses, they can be shared.
I am confident that the Town, Developer and surrounding property owners will come up with a plan that is workable and agreeable.

Lina Bellenir
Our majestic icon “The Fountain” at full splendor and outfitted with cost saving technology allowing its operation more frequently and at a tremendous cost savings.  The Entertainment Pad at Fountain Park booked with more open air concerts. The perimeter of Fountain Lake outlined in soft shadow casting to add drama at night.

On the Avenue of the Fountains and located in the center median are several artistic fountains complementing our grand icon…”The Fountain.”

A fully developed south side of the Avenue of The Fountains anchored by a performing arts center, a combination of loft condos and unique retail shops and galleries. Walking paths that would connect Fountain Park, El Lago, both sides of the Avenue, and Palisades. The walking paths would include sculptors, benches and electronic interactive kiosks providing information on local attractions, shopping and dining.

The paths would also be integrated with mini botanical gardens identifying native desert vegetation and blooming plants. And all buildings built with green building materials which are energy efficient.  During special events i.e. the Festivals, etc it would be grand to see horse drawn carriage rides around the lake.  It might be interesting to entertain adding an arboretum as an additional attraction, and looking at expanding our River of Time Museum.

The downtown development is the most important business districts that our town will finalize, and must be thoroughly thought thru so that every segment of our community will be properly served; and the best possible return on investment is achieved.

Nearby is Plat 208, vacant land on the corner of Avenue of the Fountains and LaMontana, and Bashas’ parking lot. I am confident that a parking arrangement can be negotiated with these property owners for the benefit of each.  We must be “visionary” and creative in order to find solutions to issues.

Dennis Contino
I am a part of a small business here in FH and I live and shop here. There are tough economic times ahead. FH needs to keep a tight rein on spending taxpayer dollars.  Every project should be deliberated as to cost/revenue gap. “Pie-in-the-sky” projects have been touted before and failed due to fiscal unreality.

Any project should stand on its own economic legs without town subsidies. We need less consultants and a staff to step up to its qualifications and do the work necessary to keep the town solvent and that means budget cutting. We are not in the position to offer subsidies with the taxpayers’ monies.

The financial crisis solution is effectiveness, not affordability. We need focus and reform, not new subsidies and a continued lack of accountability.

Creative incentives to small businesses and entrepreneurs should be considered. As for parking, there is plenty of parking behind the buildings. 

We are in a position to revitalize our businesses. I have a vision for our town. 

We must consider the impact of this development both on new and existing businesses. We must consider who will benefit from this development. We must weigh in and consider who will be shopping, walking and enjoying this area. 

The residents of FH need to want to be a part of the center. Art can be considered, but let’s consider donated art work. Let’s consider the effect for this area to become a hub of activity and pleasure with the least cost to the taxpayer.

Cassie Hansen
Vision:  Having participated in multitudes of meetings since 1995 on various downtown plans, I do have “my perfect vision” for downtown development.  It includes: a vibrant core for the community that blends/connects the Community Center/Library Museum with the north side of the Avenue, the new downtown development and an enhanced activity anchor in Fountain Park; open pedestrian corridors that safely connect and invite all components and activities of the downtown; partnerships that provide affordable rent for “visitor-attracting” businesses currently existing but scattered throughout our town; the uniqueness that defines us and says “this is Fountain Hills.”

Financial: The town’s financial role should be based on the potential for return.  When the Town agreed to the tax abatement for Target, they knew who the player was along with the potential sales tax benefit to the town. The town’s commitment to the downtown plan should have the same level of security.

Parking: We already have a parking challenge i.e. all the cars parked on LaMontana during the weekdays and an overflow at the Community Center for senior and many other activities/events.  For the number of multifamily units being requested in the current downtown plan, residential parking should be underground. 

Solving the remaining parking problem presented by the future development could include reducing some of the commercial square footage but this is contrary to increasing our tax base. Some sort of parking structure, preferably underground, would certainly be one solution.

It has been cited that the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance accommodating a shared parking model could leave the area 300 spaces short by current zoning standards.  If the developer is granted the requested zoning changes, this potential shortage needs to be addressed.

Kathie Kelly
My vision for a downtown development would balance the needs of residents with making Fountain Hills a destination for others to enjoy while contributing to our economic stability. In addition, it must reflect the uniqueness and beauty of Fountain Hills.

There needs to be a balance of businesses and services which keep our residents here to do their business, as well as unique attractions that will bring people to Fountain Hills. Ideally, a focal attraction such as an educational or cultural institution would be included, as well as a mix of retail, residential, and office facilities.  It would be pedestrian friendly, welcoming and universally accessible. The ideal mix would appeal to a multi-generational customer base.

Parking areas need to be clearly identified and easy to find. Parking must be adequate for all citizens and visitors including those with disabilities. Shared use of limited parking facilities by those businesses that require parking at different times is a viable option. Residential properties must include their own adequate guaranteed parking for residents and their guests. 

The role of the town government is to facilitate the development process. Beyond that, the financial commitments of town resources should be limited to the infrastructure and town services necessary for the development to take place. It is not the town’s responsibility to provide financial support and incentives to businesses in the downtown area. It is, however, to the benefit of all to have reasonable zoning and signage laws which will allow our businesses to thrive.

There should also be collaboration between the town, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Bureau, working together to the same end; to bring new residents and visitors and to service our existing community.

Keith McMahan
My “perfect vision” for developing downtown is the Town Square development currently being crafted by George Kasnoff of Kasnoff Realty and Investments and his investors, along with the town.

I have seen probably a dozen development plans for the Avenue of the Fountains area over the years. I have been enthusiastic and hopeful over most of them - only to see them wither away because of financing, bad timing, numbers didn’t pencil out, etc.

But from the time learned about it, I have believed that Town Square is the right one at this time. It is visionary, well conceived, beautiful in design and architecture, cognizant of market conditions and financed by successful Midwestern interests.

The key is the residential/commercial mix – condominiums and/or offices above allow for commercial spaces at street level to be leased. Plus the residents become customers who do not have to drive their cars to patronize the retailers.

Recently, the town has been tremendously cooperative in moving this project ahead. Mayor Nichols and Councilman Henry Leger, representing the Town Council, Richard Turner, Bob Rogers and others on town staff are to be commended. The result of these good faith negotiations is that the developer will pay for all development fees and interior infrastructure.

They will follow a jointly-developed shared parking model to meet most of the parking requirements.

The town’s only obligation is to develop the streetscape on the south side of the Avenue to be compatible with the design elements and lighting created for the north side last year. That project was primarily funded by 1/2 of 1 percent of bond issue repayments earmarked for “downtown development.” and authorized by the voters.

As a council candidate, I unequivocally support Town Square and will work diligently to help it become a reality if I am re-elected.

Michael Tyler
The Downtown needs to be a location where residents and visitors can enjoy the sense of place that is Fountain Hills. As such it needs a combination of vitality and quietness that every person can enjoy. Unique retail stores, art walks, shady benches, water features, dining and entertainment opportunities will all combine with art works and architectural features that represent our town.

Generally speaking, I am in favor of development projects standing on their own feet, but creative options should always be considered if they help meet our goals. That said, the developer should not rely on the Town to make their return, rather they should ensure that the project is economically viable. However the town should participate in making sure the project integrates well with the adjoining areas, such as the north side of the Avenue.

As we continue to develop the Downtown area, parking will continue to be an issue. A suggestion has been made that additional covered parking structure be located adjacent to the proposed theater complex. I believe this could be a good solution.